Corneal Cross Linking

Corneal cross linking is a minimally invasive procedure that recovers and preserves some of the cornea’s mechanical strength, with the use of ultraviolet light and the application of riboflavin drops to the eye, for patients with thin, weak, or irregular shaped corneas.

Who Might Benefit From Cross Linking

This procedure is recommended for patients who have been diagnosed with keratoconus, a condition in which the cornea grows thin and weak.

What Cross Linking Entails

The treatment involves a one-time application of riboflavin solution to the eye that is activated with UV-A light. The riboflavin causes new bonds to form across adjacent collagen strands in the stromal layer of the cornea.

What to Expect After Cross Linking

It can take up to several weeks for you to notice the final visual results of cross linking. As your eyes heal, you may feel a “scratchy” sensation in the eyes. You may also notice blurred vision, glare, halos or other visual disturbances during this time.

You should be able to go back to work or resume your normal activities about a week after your procedure. Your eye surgeon will let you know when you can return to your usual schedule.

Find out More About Cross Linking

If you have been diagnosed with keratoconus, and are interested in learning more about corneal cross linking and to determine whether cross linking is right for you, please request a referral be sent to our office from your optometrist in order to schedule an assessment.